Testosterone is a type of hormone present in both the male and female human body. However, the testosterone level is usually higher in males than in females. This hormone is crucial in several bodily functions, including sex drive.
Though it is not the only element that fuels sex drive in men, it plays an indispensable part in the process indeed. And if you are wondering what the role of testosterone is in sex drive, keep reading. Here we will cover everything about testosterone and its ability to impact sex drive.
What is Testosterone?
To learn about whether testosterone can increase your sex drive, you must know what it is and its functionality. Testosterone is a sex hormone present in both the male and female human body. However, males have higher testosterone levels than females. Primarily testicles release testosterone in response to the pituitary gland’s signals. Yet some testosterone is also released from the adrenaline glands on the top of both kidneys.
Testosterone and DHT (a synthesized form of testosterone) play a crucial role in several bodily changes in men during puberty. These changes also include some sexual characteristics like muscle growth, pubic hair growth, sperm production, etc.
What is the Role of testosterone in the Male Body?
Testosterone plays a crucial role in the male body and determines several bodily changes during puberty, including –
- Sperm production
- Erectile function
- Libido
- Red blood cell production
- Growth of muscle and bone density
- Body and facial hair growth
- Mood control
Does testosterone impact sex drive?
Testosterone is a sex hormone proven to boost a male’s sex drive physiologically. However, researchers have not yet found the exact process of boosting sex drive. But multiple research shows that lower libido is one of the common symptoms of low testosterone levels.
MMAS, or Massachusetts Male Aging Study, shows that 1500 men who have reduced libido or lack of sexual desire have (majority) lower levels of testosterone.
Relationship between low testosterone and sex drive
The normal testosterone level in the male body can range between 300ng/dl to 1000ng/dl (nanograms per decilitre in the blood. And when this count goes abnormally down, lower than 300ng/dl, it is specified as Low T or low testosterone. However, lower testosterone levels are only a part of Low T diagnosis as the signs and symptoms also play a crucial role in low T diagnosis. Low T is also known as hypogonadism. And experts prescribe treatment if the testosterone levels are slightly below 300ng/dl.
Testosterone levels in the male body do not remain the same throughout life. In the earlier stages, they have higher testosterone levels, and the count starts to fall 1% each year after 40 years of age. It occurs due to the pituitary glands sending less signal to the testes or testicles, and as a result, it releases lesser testosterone. Also, the SHBG or sex hormone-building globulin increase in the male body when they age, which is another reason behind the decrease in testosterone.
Due to testosterone playing a crucial role in several bodily functions, including sexual characteristics and activities, the lower levels of T also impact sex drive differently. The general impact of lower testosterone in the male body causes fatigue, anemia, increased body fat, and loss of body muscles. And its impact on sex life may include:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Low libido
- Reduced sperm count
- Infertility
- Loss of morning erection
However, several therapies and off-label drugs are available to treat low T. And an expert can guide you to a safe treatment option that can help improve your testosterone levels.
Low testosterone and erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is a condition where getting and keeping an erection is firm enough for sex. And the lower levels of testosterone are a major reason that can cause ED. Also, ED can occur from time to time without any serious health complications but can affect your sex life. However, low T is not the sole reason behind erectile dysfunction or ED; it can also be caused due several health complications:
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Obesity
- Metabolic syndrome
- Diabetes, etc.
How Can I Improve My Testosterone Levels?
Testosterone plays a vital role in boosting several bodily functions, including sex drive in men. And a lower level of T generally reduces libido and desire for sex in men causing several sexual characteristic changes like ED, reduced sperm production, lower sex drive, etc.
However, the levels of testosterone can be increased with treatments and medication. And TRT is one of the most popular treatments for increasing testosterone in the male body. Here we will discuss different treatments to improve testosterone levels:
TRT
TRT, or testosterone replacement therapy, is a widely popular and FDA-approved treatment for increasing testosterone levels and reducing the signs and symptoms of Low T or hypogonadism. In TRT, it gives the body sufficient testosterone that it is currently unable to produce. A TRT can be administered in several ways:
- Surgical implantation of pellets
- Injection
- Tables
- Gels
- Skin patches
But do remember that not everyone who has low T is eligible to take the TRT treatment, and only people with serious complications can get the treatment. However, TRT treatment has several side effects, like slower sex hormone production, reduced sperm count, enlarged breast, enlarged prostate, sleep apnea, and infertility.
Off-label drugs
Another great way to increase testosterone levels without undergoing a TRT treatment is off-label drugs. Drugs like clomiphene can help to increase testosterone levels. But they also have different side effects, and you must consult with experts before taking them to increase your testosterone levels.
Natural ways to improve testosterone
Also, there are several natural ways you can increase your testosterone levels and boost your sex drive without any harsh side effects. For instance, several herbs and medicinal plants can help improve testosterone levels and boost your sex drive for a satisfying experience. Kratom, or Mitrigyna Speciosa, is one of the popular medicinal plants that can help boost testosterone levels. However, you must consult an expert before you take this natural substance to increase your testosterone and libido.
Conclusion
As far as we have learned, testosterone is a sex hormone that plays an essential role in men’s sex drive. And the higher levels of testosterone are directly linked with improved sex drive. However, if you want to know more about testosterone and sex drive or are facing difficulties with sex drive, consult an expert for better guidance.